The James family is on a mission. For the past year, they have traveled to over 30 U.S. states visiting various families, ministries, and Bible conferences. John and Dari James and their seven children, ages 15 years to eight months, decided to uproot themselves and listen to God's call to follow Him. This meant leaving their Montana home and becoming an on-the-move family for the Lord. A traditional brick-and-mortar school would not be an option for their children.
Coupled with the fact that one of her children faced a traumatic bullying incident in a Christian school, Dari knew she had to find a new educational program that was safe and flexible for their on-the-go lifestyle. While researching, she came across an article about the Duggar family from the TLC television show 19 Kids and Counting, who uses Switched-On Schoolhouse. This led her to Ignite Christian Academy which "offered the best of both worlds: the at-home learning and the support of teachers who could help answer questions."
Since enrolling her children (except her baby Joshua) in ICA, Dari says her children have blossomed into students who approach tests with confidence. Kyland (10th grader) wants to earn a college basketball scholarship; Taya (9th grader) would like to pursue a teaching degree; Tresten (6th grader) loves animals and zoology; Tanna (4th grader) and the younger children Ashton (kindergartener) and Harmony (preschooler) are just enjoying childhood. As a mom, Dari loves that at ICA the children can create their own schedules, do lessons in the car, and see their grades instantly.
The James family plans to be on the road for "a while yet." They appreciate that ICA lets the children experience lessons in hands-on way. During their recent visit to Arizona, they happened to be studying about the desert, so they just went outside and examined the geography right on the spot! "With ICA, everything is already organized for the day. There's no guesswork, and you don't have to wait for lessons. You know grades right away and where each student stands. The support of the teachers is essential," she says. "With seven children and leading a ministry, I could never do it by myself."
Her children agree ICA is wonderful. They like taking learning wherever they are. Her oldest daughter even loves how challenging the lessons are. In Christian school she took advanced classes and still was bored. "With ICA she was placed a grade above where she was at previously, and she is doing well. They can learn at their own pace, and that's what's important", Dari said. "The children's experiences with teachers have been great. They are professional, helpful, kind, and go over their work with them. The elementary grade-level teachers are excellent, too."
Dari's heartfelt words are full of love for her children. "Our lives are about the kids and doing what's best for them." To that end, the James family intends to have all their children enrolled in ICA until they each graduate from high school. She adds, "Our children aren't just sitting in class anymore, staring at the ceiling, waiting for a lesson they already know to be done. They are out there applying the Word of God and aren't hindered by being in a brick-and-mortar school."